Novi, MI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 22-90, part of Article V, 'Offenses Against Public Peace,' in Chapter 22 of the Novi City Code (originally adopted as Ordinance No. 78-23.02, section 7.01(E), on June 5, 1978), prohibits placing or erecting an obstruction of any type upon the public way or upon the passageway leading to a building. The only carve-out in the text itself is for temporary barriers or warning signs that are duly authorized or required to safeguard the public, such as construction or utility work signage. The section sits alongside Section 22-91, which separately bars playing ball, frisbee or other games on a public street or sidewalk, and Section 22-94, which bars collecting crowds for illegal or mischievous purposes in a public place, showing the chapter's broader intent to keep streets, sidewalks and building entrances passable.

Because Section 22-90 does not label the offense a municipal civil infraction, Section 1-11(b) presumes it is a misdemeanor. Under Section 1-11(c)(1)a, a misdemeanor conviction carries up to ninety days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500, and Section 1-11(c)(1)b treats each day the obstruction remains in place as a separate offense, so an unmoved obstruction can generate repeated charges. Enforcement runs through the Novi Police Department and Community Development's code compliance staff, who may also pursue equitable remedies such as an order to remove the obstruction under Section 1-11(c)(1)c, in addition to any criminal penalty.